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501 ( c )( 3 ) Status Opens Fundraising Doors For the VSGA
Charitable efforts have always
been a big part of the Virginia State Golf Association ’ s mission to serve golfers of all ages and abilities in the commonwealth — witness the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation and the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame .
Now , giving back to golf in Virginia has become even easier . In August , the VSGA was granted a long-desired 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) status by the Internal Revenue Service , recognizing the VSGA as a charitable organization for its work in amateur sports competition , including education within golf .
How does this status change the VSGA ? On the outside , members won ’ t see many visible changes . The VSGA ’ s core services — administering Handicap Indexes ; providing competitive opportunities for men , women and juniors ; providing education through Rules of Golf and World Handicap System seminars ; and this magazine you ’ re reading now — won ’ t change .
But the 501 ( c )( 3 ) designation gives members greater flexibility on giving back to the game of golf in Virginia by making tax-deductible general donations to the VSGA . That support will help initiate programs that will make the game more affordable and inclusive . One such program is Youth on Course .
“ Youth on Course has a proven track record of making the game more appealing , inclusive and accessible and we are excited to play our part in bringing that impact to Virginia .” — Matt Smiley
In December , the VSGA began a partnership with Youth on Course , a non-profit organization dedicated to opening doors , supporting dreams and transforming the lives of young people through opportunities on and off the golf course .
Junior golfers may play rounds for $ 5 or less at more than 1,400 participating courses across 38 states and Canada — Virginia included . The balance of the $ 5 rounds is then subsidized by the VSGA through donations and sponsorships . Members also benefit from career opportunities through a caddie and internship program and college scholarships .
The program is open to juniors ages 6-18 .
“ The VSGA is making a concerted effort to invest in the community we serve through Youth on Course by ensuring that young people have access to play affordably ,” VSGA executive director Matt Smiley said . “ Our longstanding programs , events and services have impacted countless golfers over the last 116 years , but our new partnership with Youth on Course will fill a gap in a junior golfer ’ s journey that we previously did not influence .
“ Youth on Course has a proven track record of making the game more appealing , inclusive and accessible and we are excited to play our part in bringing that impact to Virginia .”
Youth on Course , which boasts more than 100,000 members , is also a 501 ( c )( 3 ) non-profit organization . Founded in 2006 as a charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association , YOC subsidizes
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